Valve mechanism.



J. A. STAPLES.

VALVE MECHANISM.

APPLIOATION FILED JULY 1, 1909.

949,854, Patented Feb. 22, 1910.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

J. A. STAPLES.

.VALVE MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 1, 190a.

Patented Feb. 22, 1910.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

ANDiEW a GRAMM c0.. PHOYO-LIYNQGRAPHERS wAsnmnToN, 0.0.

J. A. STAPLES.

VALVE MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 1, 190a.

Patented Feb.22, 1910.

KBHEETS-SHEET 3.

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JOHN A. STAPLES, OF NEVIBURGH, NEW YORK.

VALVE MECHANISM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed July 1, 1908.

Patented Feb. 22, 1910.

Serial No. 441,353.

To all whom "it may concern:

Be it known that 1, JOHN A. STAPLES, a citizen of the United States,residing at Newburgh, in the county of Orange and State of New York,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Valve Mechanism, ofwhich the following is a full, clear, and exact description, such aswill enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make anduse the same.

This invention relates to fluid control, and more specifically toapparatus for flushing closets, and the like.

One of the objects thereof is to provide efiicient and practicalapparatus for flushing a closet bowl.

Another object is to provide apparatus of the above type, of compact,durable, selfcontained and non-complicated construction.

Another object is to provide, in connection with apparatus of the abovenature, effective and easily operated actuating means.

Other objects will be in part obvious and in part pointed outhereinafter.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction,combinations of elements and arrangement of parts which will beexemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope ofthe application of which will be indicated in the following claims.

It may be here noted that this invention is based upon the broadprinciples of my invention set forth in Patent No. 774,972, granted tome November 15, 1904-, and constitutes a further embodiment of means andmechanism for practicin said invention.

In the accompanying drawings, wherein is shown one of various possibleembodiments of this invention, Figure 1 is a sectional elevation showingthe parts in the position which they occupy before the actuating handlehas been moved to unseat the valve and before the delivery connectionhas been opened. Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation showing the apparatussubsequent to the actuation of the operating handle, the valve beingunseated but the discharge being delayed. Fig. 3 is a similar viewshowing the parts in the position which they occupy after the actuatinghandle has been released, with the water in the tank partly discharged.Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on line a:-w

of Fig. 1 on an enlarged scale. Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view of thepiston shown in the other figures. Fig. 6 is an end view thereof. Fig. 7is a view of the float or valve taken on the line y-y of Fig. 1. Fig. 8is a detail perspective view of the piston of Fig. 5. Fig 9 is a detailplan of battling means.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings.

The embodiment of the present invention, as shown in the drawings,comprises broadly a tank with feed and delivery connections, a buoyantvalve controlling the delivery connection, and means for feeding airinto the tank and regulating the quantity of the confined air in orderto control and determine the operation of the valve, as broadly setforth and shown in connection with the specific embodiment illustratedin my Patent No. 774,972, above specified.

I will first describe the general construction of the embodiment of thepresent invention as shown in the drawings whereupon the features ofnovelty and general advantages of this invention may be more efficientlypointed out and will be readily understood by one familiar with thestate of the art as set forth in my original patent.

Referring first to Fig. 3 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown areceptacle or tank 1, preferably of an imperforate, cylindricalconformation, mounted upon a base connection 2. This base carries afitting 3 either mounted thereon as shown or formed integral therewithand forming. a valve seat 4i provided, if desired, with a gasket 5. Thedischarge opening through this valve seat is controlled by a buoyant orfloat valve 6 preferably of a cylindrical conformation and mounted torise within a casing or inner chamber? herein shown as of square crosssection. The lower end of this casing is provided with ports 9 whichafford communication from the tank to the delivery when the valve 6 isoff its seat. The upper end of this casing is provided with a verticallyoffset portion 10, having formed therein a port or vent 11. Within thewalls of the base connection or fitting 2 and leading to the upperportion of said base at a point materially below the valve seat 4: is

a feed connection or conduit 12 adapted to be connected to a suitablesource of supply 13, as preferably ordinary service pipes supplyingwater under pressure from the source. Surrounding the mouth of this feedconnection where it opens into the tank is a battle plate also locatedbelow the plane of the valve seat as .best shown in Fig. 9, andhereinafter described with its associated parts more in detail.

Referring now to the main valve 6, there is shown positioned beneath thesame a fitting, 14 directly connected with a piston 15 hereinafterdescribed in detail. Fitting let is provided with a rod 16 adapted toimpinge against the lower surface of valve 6, and force the same fromits seat, thus permitting it to float upwardly as hereinafter described.There is formed upon this fitting, moreover, a tubular projection 17adapted to fit within a shoulder 18 of base 2, and form a substantiallyfluid-tight jointtherewith. Upon piston 15 being thrown to the uppermostlimit of its path of travel, a shoulder 19 formed upon fitting 14;engages shoulder 18 to act as a stop. Upon the piston falling, however,there is provided a free passage, through ports 20 formed in pro jection17, as indicated by the arrows to permit a free discharge from the tank1 through the discharge pipe, the discharge passing to one side of thecylinder 21 within which piston 15 is mounted.

The piston actuating means comprise a conduit 22 leading fro-m theconduit 12 to a valve chamber 23. The discharge is controlled by a pushvalve 2 1 normally urged as by spring 25 against its seat. From theupper side of this valve a conduit 26 leads to the cylinder 21, and itwill be seen that upon the valve 24 being depressed fluid will beadmitted beneath the piston 15 and force the same upwardly, as shown inFig. 2 of the drawings.

Considering now the constructionof piston 15, it is to be noted that itseffective area is materially greater than the lower surface of the mainvalve (3. This piston comprises an outer packing or skirt 27 preferablyof rubber and of a hollow or inverted cupshaped conformation and havingformed therein a relief port or ports 28. lVithin skirt 27 is aninverted metallic cup 29 hav ing a port or ports 30 registering withport 28. Removably secured by means of stud 16 at the lower end of cup29 is a perforated plate 31 having a large number of ports 32 each ofwhich is smaller in diameter than the port 30. By the use of a pistonbuilt up as shown, there is provided a form of packing which not onlyefficiently seals the joint with the cylinder walls by tending to expandunder any fluid pressure as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 5, butwhich, by its sharp lower edge, tends as it slides back and forth tomaintain in clean and smooth condition the surfaces of the parts with.which it contacts.

For the actuation of the valve 2% there is preferably provided a shortrock shaft 33 having thereon a dog 3-1- operatively related to the valvespindle Fixed upon this shaft is a lever 36 provided with a handle 37through which the shaft is rocked and the valve opened. This lever, ifthe tank 1 be mounted behind the wall 38, passes through a suitableguide 39 and is thus readily accessible for use.

Recurring to the means by which the incoming stream of water is battledor broken up, there is provided at $0 a metal batlie plate whichentirely covers a portion of the lower channel 1-1 formed in the fitting2 adacent its connection with the tank 1. Plate all) is inclineddownwardly as shown at -12 in Fig. 9 to form a closed pocket 43 at oneside of the inlet port 1%, but is open as at 15 to permit the incomingstream to enter the tank. Mounted upon the upper portion of the fitting2 is a coil spring to held in position by an annular flange 1-7 andresting preferably with its end beneath the plate 40 and so fitted as toreceive substantially the entire incoming stream.

The operation of the above described embodiment of this invention issubstantially as follows: Assuming the parts to be in normal condition,the tank 1 being in communication with the source of supply is filledwith water as to the level indicated in Fig. 1, having in its upperportion a quantity of air, sufiicient under all conditions to actuatethe mechanism as hereinafter described. This air being exposed to thefull pressure from the source of supply is correspondingly reduced involume, and is adapted upon being released to expand in such manner asto fill the entire casing down to the level of the valve seat under allconditions without being reduced beneath atmospheric pressure. The floatvalve 6 is under these conditions against its seat, being held firmly inthis position by the excess of clownward fluid pressure thereon due tothe fact that its portions resting upon the valve seat and opposite thedischarge opening are eX posed to atmospheric pressure only while uponits remaining portions is brought to bear the full pressure of the fluidsupply, thus resulting in a heavy down ard resultantpressure.

lVhen it is desired to actuate the mechanism the lever 36 is swung asabove described to open valve 24 thus admitting water beneath the piston15 and quickly forcing the same to its uppermost position by reason ofthe preponderance of area of this piston over that of the portion of thevalve 6 shielded from the pressure within the tank 1. The upwardmovement of rod 16 forces the float valve 6 slightly from its seat,permitting the water from the tank to flow downwardly as far as theshoulder 19, and equalizing the pressure of the fluid to which the floatis exposed upon its upper and lower sides. Float valve 6 thereuponimmediately moves upwardly in the casing 7, as to the position shown inFig. 2 f the drawings, the oil'- set portion 10 protecting the port 11from any battering o1 deformation thereof by the float, or tendency ofthe latter to seal this opening or clog it by carrying foreign mat terthereto. In this manner this vent, the c'liective size of which highlyimportant, is maintained in clean and undeforined condition. The entirecolumn of water within the tank now rests upon the shoulder 18, the airwhich was trapped between the valve seat and this part passing upwardlyto feed that contained in the upper portion of the tank. The partsremain in this condition as long as the valve 2% is held open, by reasonof the fact that the supply beneath the piston 15 considerably greaterthan can be dis charged through the ports formed therein. Upon the valve2% being permitted to close, however, the fluid beneath piston 15escapes through the discharge ports formed therein, and permits thispart, as well as the rod 16, to fall into their lowermost positions.

By reason of the positioning of the discharge ports in the upper portionof the tubular projection 17, the piston must fall throughout a materialportion of its travel before the discharge begins. In this manner thedischarge is delayed even though the valve 2% is quickly permitted toclose after actuation, as the downward movement of the piston can takeplace only at such rate as is desired governed by the size of the escapeport in the piston, and this downward movement must be of such-extent asto bring the ports 20 beneath the flange 18. Thus the air trapped withinthe fitting 2 above the flange 18 is given ample time to rise into theupper portion of the tank 1, no matter how carelessly or hastily thehandle 31 may be depressed and released. There is provided thus a fluiddischarge passage for the fluid within tank 1, and the same passes asindicated by the arrows through the discharge conouit. The discharge isterminated by the seating of the float valve 6, the action of this partin this respect being the same as that of the corresponding element ofthe construction of my patent above referred to. The valve 6 rezches itsclosed position in this manner slightly before the level in the maintank has reached that of the valve seat, ant. thus maintains a waterseal over the discharge port. If, however, there is an excessivepressure of air within the tank. the same is blown out just prior to theseating of the valve. The discharge is thus cut oil, and

the tank is again filled from the feed conduit 12, the incoming jetbeing directed within the spring 46, and given a whirling movement bythe spiral surfaces it engages, as it passes about the base of the tank.By this action, as well as the deflecting effect of the plate and themutlling effect of the body of water remaining in the base beneath thelevel of the valve seat 4, the incoming jet, even though of highpressure, is broken up and substantially dissipated as it rises withinthe tank. If the water fed to the tank is of extremely high pressure, aslight rotary movement is imparted to the fluid about the valve seat,thus producing a slight vortex effect tending to aid in seating thevalve and thus neutralizing any effect of an upward current on the lowersurface of the valve, which might otherwise have a tendency to interferewith the proper downward movement of this part. It may be noted,moreover, that the pocket 43 aids in breaking up the violent stream offeed water by tending to produce an eddy or whirling action at thispoint instead of directing the full force of the stream against thespring 4E6. Upon the water rising until the air in the upper portion ofthe tank is at the pressure of the source of supply, the

apparatus is then again in normal charged t condition, and the bowl maybe again hushed by a repetition of the above cycle of operations.

By reason of the conformation of the piston 15 as shown, no sediment orother foreign matter which may be in the water can reach the port 30without passing through the smaller ports 32, and thus being of suchsize as readily to escape through the former. The ports 32, moreover,are of such number that itis immaterial if one or if many of them becomeclogged in use, and if desired the entire piston may be renoved at anytime and taken apart, thus permitting the cleaning of this plate as wellas the interior of the piston. The removal of these parts withoutcutting 05 the supply to the main tank is brought about by providing aremovable head 48 upon the cylinder 21, this part having formed thereonan abutment d9 providing a surface extending above any sediment whichmay accummu late in the cylinder and acting as a stop to limit thedownward movement of the piston. It is to be noted, moreover, that bythe arrangement of the cylinder 21 and the cischarge and inlet conduitsin a single casting, in which this head l8 is detachably secured, theapparatus is not only simplified and cheapened but the strength as awhole is increased, and the number of joints, with resultant tendency toleakage, is materially reduced. Moreover, by reason of tiis constructionwith the tank mounted thereon as shown, itis possible to draw all of thewater from the bottom of the tank as for purposes of shipping aftertest, or in the event that the apparatus is to be exposed to a freezingtemperature after having been installed for use. The latter advantagesare due largely to the disposition of the inlet portat the bottom of thetank, and from this construction there also results not only theprovision of a body of water to battle the incoming stream and seal thejoint between the main valve and its seat, but such a conformation aswill materially increase the amount of air compressed upon initiallyadmitting water to the tank.

By reason of the formation of the float 6 as shown and described, it isof a simple and inexpensive construction, and is unlikely to becomedeformed in use in such manner as to cause any tendency to bind withrespect to the casing '7. The latter part, moveover, being of squarecross section readily permits the passage of fluid between it and thevalve and the conformation of the portion 10 is such as to do away withany tendency of the same to become battered by reason of contact withthe float as above noted.

The use of hydraulic mechanism for starting the float from its seatprovides means whereby this part may be moved with certainty throughoutthe short distance required without efiort on the part of the user. Itis unnecessary with this apparatus to move the valve throughout anyconsiderable distance, as is the case with many forms of apparatus nowin general use, but the resistance to this short movement may beconsiderable. It will thus be seen that hydraulic mechanism ispeculiarly adapted to apply power in the most eflicient manner to bringabout this precise character of movement. It may be noted, moreover,that by means of mechanism shown, the power is ap plied directly to thevalve without lateral component, and there is thus no tendency to rockthe valve or cause it to bind with respect to its guiding means.

It will. thus be seen that there is provided apparatus in which theseveral objects of this invention are achieved, and the above describedadvantages are, among others, present. The entire construction issimple, compact and durable, and its action is reliable and practical toa high degree.

As many changes could be made in the above construction and manyapparently widely different embodiments of this inven tion could be madewithout departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all mattercontained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawingsshall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the language used in the followingclaims is intended to cover all of the generic and specilic features ofthe invention herein described and all statements of the scope of theinvention, which, as a matter of language, n'iightbe said to falltherebetween.

Having described my invention What I claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patent is:

1. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, feed anddelivery connections therefor, a valve adapted to establishcommunication between said tank and said delivery connection, hydraulicmeans for opening said valve, means for closing said valve by thepressure of air within the tank, and means for regulating the quantityof air within the tank.

2. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, feed anddelivery connections therefor, a valve adapted to establishcommunication between said tank and said delivery connection, means forexposing said valve to pressure from the feed connection to open thename, means for closing said valve by the pressure of air within thetank, and means for regulating the quantity of air within the tank.

3. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, feed anddelivery connections therefor, a float valve adapted to establishcommunication between said tank and said delivery connection, means foreX- posing said valve to pressure from the feed connection to open thesame, means for closing said valve by the pressure of air within thetank, and means for adding to the quantity of air within the tank.

4. In a device of the class described, in combination, a closed tank, afeed connection therefor adapted to supply water under pressure from asource of supply, a delivery con nection for said tank, avalve adaptedto control communication between said tank and said delivery connection,a piston controlling the opening of said valve, and means for operatingsaid piston by pressure from the source of supply.

In a device of the class described, in combination, a closed tank, afeed connection therefor adapted to supply water un der pi are from asource of supply, a delivery connection for said tank, a valve adaptedto control conununication between said tank and said deliveryconnection, a piston controlling the opening of said valve, means foroperating said piston by pressure from the source of supply, and meansfor controlling the application of said pressure to said piston.

6. In a device of the class described, in combinz'ition, a closed tank,a feed connection therefor adapted to supply water under PIGSSIUQ from asource of supply, a delivery connection for said tank, a valve adaptedto control communication between said tank and said delivery connection,a piston controlling the opening of said valve, means for operating saidpiston by pressure from the source of supply, and manual means forcontrolling the application of said pressure to said piston.

7. In a device of the class described, in combination, a closed tank, afeed connection therefor adapted to supply water under pressure from asource of supply, a delivery connection for said tank, avalve adapted tocontrol communication between said tank and said delivery connection, apiston controlling the opening of said valve, means for exposing saidpiston to pressure from the source of supply to actuate the same, andmeans for retarding the release of said pressure to which said piston isexposed.

8. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, a feedconnection therefor adapted to supply water under pressure, a deliveryconnection, a valve mounted to control communication between said tankand delivery connection, and means to expose said valve to pressure fromthe feed connection to open the same.

S). In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, a feedconnection therefor adapted to supply water under pressure, a deliveryconnection, a valve mounted to control communication between saidtankand said delivery connection, and means for establishing communicationbetween said feed and the delivery side of said v; in: whereby the valvemay be opened under pressure from the source of supply.

10. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, a feedconnection therefor adapted to supply water under pressure. a deliveryconnection, a valve tank, a buoyant valve for controlling communicationbetween said tank and said delivery connection, means for closing saidvalve by pressure of air within said tank, a piston operative to.control the unseating of said *alve, means operating said piston underpressure from the source of supply, manual means for controlling. theapplication of said pressure to said piston, and means for regulatingthe release of said piston from said pressure.

11. In a device of the class described, in combination. a tank, a feedconnection therefor adapted to supply water under pressure, a deliveryconnection with said tank, a valve for controlling communication betweensaid tank and said delivery connection, a piston operative to controlthe unseating of said valve, means for operating said piston underpressure from the source of supply, and means for controlling theapplication of said pressure to said piston.

12. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, a feedconnection therefor adapted to supply water under pressure, a deliveryconnection for said tank, a buoyant valve mounted to controlcommunication between said tank and said delivery connection, a pistonoperative to control the unseating of said valve, a connection from saidfeed connection to said piston, whereby said piston may be operated bypressure from the source of supply, means interposed in said connectionand adapted to close the same, said means being normally held closed bypressure from the supply, and manual means for opening said connectionto operate said piston.

13. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, a feedconnection therefor adapted to supply water under pressure, a deliveryconnection for said tank, a buoyant valve mounted to controlcommunication between said tank and said delivery connection, a pistonoperative to control the unseating of said valve, a connection from saidfeed connection to said piston, whereby said piston may be operated bypressure from the source of supply, means interposed in said connectionand adapted to close the same, said means being normally held closed bypressure from the supply, and means for opening said connection tooperate said piston.

14. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, a feedconnection therefor adapted to supply water under pressure,

a delivery connection, a valve controlling comn'lunication between saidtank and said delivery connection, means for opening said valve, meansfor operating said opening means by pressure from the source of supply,a valve controlling the application of said supply pressure to saidopening means, said valve being normally held closed by said supplypressure, and manual means for opening said valve.

15. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, a feedconnection therefor adapted to supply water under pressure, a deliveryconnection, a valve controlling communication between said tank and saiddelivery connection, means for opening said valve, means for operatingsaid opening means by pressure from the source of supply, a valvecontrolling the application. of said supply pressure to said openingmeans, said valve being normally held closed by said supply pressure,and means for opening said valve.

16. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, a feedconnection therefor adapted to supply water under pressure, a deliveryconnection for said tank, a valve controlling communication between saidtank and said delivery connection, a movable member adapted in oneposition thereof to control the opening of said valve, a connectionadapted to expose said movable member to pressure from the source tooperate the same, means controlled by the supply pressure whereby saidconnection is normally held closed, and means for opening saidconnection to actuate said movable member.

17. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, a feedconnection therefor adapted to supply water under pressure, a deliveryconnection for said tank, a valve controlling communication between saidtank and said delivery connection, a piston so mounted as at one pointin its movement to effect the unseating of said valve, a cylinder withinwhich said piston operates, a corn nection from said feed to saidcylinder to operate said piston in one direction under pressure from thesource, means for opening and closing said connection to control theapplication of said pressure, and means for regulating the release ofsaid piston from said pressure.

18. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, a feedconnection therefor adapted to supply water under pressure, a deliveryconnection to said tank, a valve controlling communication between saidtank and said delivery connection, a cylinder, a piston mounted formovement in said cylinder and adapted in one position to effect theunseating of said valve, a connection from said feed to said cylinderwhereby said piston can be moved to effect the unseating of said valveunder pressure from the supply, means for controlling said connection tocontrol the application of said pressure to said piston, and a pluralityof discharge ports adapted to permit the escape of the water from saidcylinder for relieving said piston from said pressure.

19. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, a feedconnection therefor adapted to supply water under pressure, a deliveryconnection to said tank, a valve controlling communication between saidtank and said delivery connection, a cylinder, a piston mounted formovement in said cylinder and adapted in one position to effeet theunseating of said valve, a connection from said feet to said cylinderwhereby said piston can be moved to effect the unseating of said valveunder pressure from the supply, and means for controlling saidconnection to control the application of said pressure to said piston.

20. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, a feedconnection therefor adapted to supply water under pressure, a deliveryconnection to said tank, a valve controlling communication between saidtank and said delivery connection, a cylinder, a piston mounted formovement in said cylinder and adapted in one position to effect thennseating of said valve, a connection from said feed to said cylinderwhereby said piston can be moved to effect the unseating of said valveunder pressure from the supply, means for controlling said connection tocontrol the application of said pressure to said piston, and a dischargeport for said cylinder for relieving said piston from said pressure,said discharge port communicating with a discharge passage of greaterarea than said first port.

21. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, a feedconnection therefor adapted to supply water under pressure, a deliveryconnection to said tank, a valve controlling communication between saidtank and said delivery connection, a cylinder, a piston mounted formovement in said cylinder and adapted in one position to effect theunseating of said valve, a connection from said feed to said cylinderwhereby said piston can be moved to effect the unseating of said "alveunder pressure from the supply, means for controlling said connection tocontrol the application of said pressure to said piston, and a dischargeport for said cylinder for relieving said piston from said pressure.

22. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, a feedconnect-ion therefor, adapted to supply water under pressure. a deliveryconnection to said tank, a valve controlling communication between saidtank and said delivery connection, a cylinder, a piston mounted formovement in said cylinder and adapted in one position to effeet theunseating of said valve, a connection from said feed to said cylinderwhereby said piston can be moved to effect the unseating of said valveunder pressure from the supply, means for controlling said connection tocontrol the application of said pressure to said piston, and a pluralityof discharge ports for relieving said piston from said pressure, saiddischarge portscommunicating w'th a discharge port of greater area thanany of said first ports.

23. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, a feedconnection therefor, a delivery connection to said tank, a valvecontrolling communication between said tank and said deliveryconnection, a cylinder, a piston mounted in said cylinder and adapted toeffect the unseating of said valve, and a remo able head for saidcylinder.

24. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, adelivery connection therefor, a valve adapted to control communicationbetween said. tank and said delivery mechanism, a piston, a cylindermounted in said piston and adapted to ef feet the unseating of saidvalve, means for exposing said piston to hydraulic pressure to move thesame and unseat the valve, a chamber within said piston, a portestablishing communication between said chamber and the pressure face ofsaid piston, and

iis

a port establishing communication from said chamber to the atmosphere.

25. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, adelivery connection, a valve adapted to control communication be' tweensaid tank and said delivery connection, a piston, a cylinder mounted insaid piston and adapted to effect the unseating of said valve, means forexposing said piston to hydraulic pressure to move the same to unseatthe valve, a chamber within said piston, a plurality of portsestablishing communication between said chamber and the pressure face ofsaid piston, and a portestablishing communication from said chamber tothe atmosphere.

26. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, adelivery connection therefor, a valve controlling communication betweensaid tank and said delivery connection, a cylinder, a piston mounted formovement to effect the unseating of said valve, means for exposing oneface of said piston to hydraulic pressure to move the same in onedirection, a vent chamber formed in said piston, a plurality of portsbetween said vent chamber and the pressure face of said piston, and adischarge vent opening from said chamber.

27. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, adelivery connection therefor, valve controlling communication betweensaid tank and said delivery connection, a piston operable to effect theunseating of said valve, means for operating said piston in itsunseating movement by hydraulic pressure, means for operating saidpiston in its reverse direction, and means controlling the release ofsaid hydraulic pressure to regulate the reverse movement of said piston.

28. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, afitting adapted for connection with said tank, said fitting cont aininga feed connection, an intermediate air chamber, a delivery connection,and an operating chamber, said operating chamber being provided with aremovable head.

29. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, adelivery connection therefor. a valve adapted to control communicationbetween said tank and said delivery connection, means for confining abody of air within said tank, means for clos ing said valve by thepressure of said air, means for regulating the quantity of air soconfined, and a feed connection adapted to supply water under pressureto said tank, said feed connection opening into said tank at a pointbelow the valve seat.

30. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, adelivery connection therefor, a valve adapted to control communicationbetween said tank and said delivery connection, means for confining abody of air within said tank, means for clos- 1 ing said valve by thepressureof said air, means for regulating the quantity of air soconfined, and a feed connection adapted to supply water under pressureto said tank, said feed connection opening into said tank at the lowestpoint thereof whereby all the water from said tank can be drainedthrough said feed connection.

31. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, feed anddelivery connections therefor, a she controlling said deliveryconnection, a piston operable to unseat said valve, said pistoncomprising a main disk member, a fiexible contactmember carried by saiddisk, a metallic cup member within said flexible member, a perforatedplate closing said inner cup member, a stud projecting in a downwarddirection away from said disk, a plunger carried by said disk on theopposite side from said cup member, said plunger having an outwardlyextending flanged contacting shoulder, and a ring carried above saidplunger by spaced supports, whereby water passages are formed betweensaid supports.

32. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, adelivery connection for said tank, a valve seat for said deliveryconnection, a buoyant valve adapted to rest upon said seat to controlcommunication between said tank and said delivery connection, a feedconnection opening within said tank below the plane of said valve seat,a baffle surrounding said feed opening below the plane of said valveseat, means for feeding air into said tank, and means for regulating thequantity of air within said tank.

3?). In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, afitting carrying a delivery connection for said tank, a valve seat forsaid delivery connection, said valve seat projecting within the tank, afloat valve adapted to control communication between said tank and saiddelivery connection and mounted upon said valve seat, and a feedconnection opening into said tank below the plane of said valve seat.

34:. In a device of the class described, in combination, a tank, adelivery connection therefor, a valve controlling communication betweensaid tank and said delivery connection, a supplemental chamber formed insaid delivery connection, a valve seat, and a fluid controlled pistonadapted to effect the inn seating of said valve and to close said delivery connection below said supplemental chamber, said piston being soformed that the delivery connection is first closed, the valve thereuponunseated, the supplemental chamber held for a period in communicationwith the tank but not with the delivery connection, and the deliveryconnection there after opened throughthe supplemental chamber.

35. In a device of the class described, in

combination, a tank, a delivery connection therefor, a valve controllingcommunication between said tank and said delivery connection, asupplemental chamber formed in said delivery connection on the deliveryside of the valve seat and a thud controlled nston operable in saiddelivery connection and through said supplemental chamber to first closethe opening from said supplemental chamber to said delivery connection,thereafter open the delivery valve, then hold said supplemental chamberclosed from said delivery connection while it is opened to said tank,and finally open said supplen'iental chamber to said deliveryconnection.

86. In a device of the class described, a fitting comprising a deliveryconnection, a main operating chamber, a supplemental air chamber, asupplemental operating chamber, and a communication from said sup'ilemental operating chamber to said main operating chamber.

37. In a device of the class described, in combination, a supplementalchamber, a cylinder, and an operating piston having an upper stud, alower stud, a piston head, a closing flange, an impert'orate portion anddelivery ports, whereby communication from said supplemental chamber maybe controlled and timed.

38. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a closedreceptacle having a discharge opening in the lower portion thereof, afeed conduit leading to said receptacle at point lower than the level ofsaid discharge opening, and a float valve adapted automatically upon thecontents of said receptacle passing out through said discharge openingto close the same and permit water to flow into said receptacle throughsaid feed conduit.

In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a receptacleprovided with a discharge opening, a floatcontrolling said disc largeopening, and means forming a chamber into which said float is adapted torise, a portion of said means being formed to be free from contact withsaid float in all positions thereof and having formed therein an airport leading within said means.

40. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a receptacleprovided with a discharge opening, a float controlling said dischargeopenin and means forming a guide within which said float is adapted torise and shaped to limit the upward movement thereof and having aportion above the upper limit of the path of travel of said float inwhich is formed an air port.

41. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a receptacleprovided with a discharge opening, a round float controlling saiddischarge opening, an angular member Within which said float is adaptedtorise and provided with a portion formed to be free from contact withsaid float in all positions thereof and having an air port formed insaid portion, and means adapted to admit fluid to said member beneathsaid float.

42. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a receptacleprovided with a discharge opening, a cylindrical float con trolling saiddischarge opening, an angular casing within which said float is adaptedto rise and by which it is guided in its upward movement, said casingbeing provided with a portion formed to be tree from contact with saidfloat in all positions thereof, and having an air port formed in saidportion, and means adapted to admit fluid to said casing beneath saidfloat.

43. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a closedreceptacle having a discharge opening and a valve seat about the same, afloat valve normally held against said seat by downward fluid pressurethereon, and hydraulically actuated means adapted to start said valvefrom its seat and permit the same to float upwardly.

44. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a closedreceptacle having a discharge opening and a valve seat about the same, afloat valve normally held against said seat by downward fluid pressurethereon, hydraulically actuated means adapted to start said valve fromits seat and permit the same to float upwardly, and a common source offluid supply connected with said receptacle and with said hydraulicmeans.

In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a closed receptaclehaving a discharge opening and a valve seataboutthe same, a float valvenormally held against said seat by downward fluid pressure thereon, apiston positioned beneath said seat and mounted to move toward and awayfrom the same whereby power is applied directly to and in the directionof movement of said valve, and means adapted to admit fluid beneath saidpiston and cause the same to raise said valve.

46. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a closedreceptacle having a discharge opening and a valve seat about the same, afloat valve normally held against said seat by downward fluid pressurethere on, a piston positioned beneath said seat and mounted to movetoward and away from the same whereby power is applied directly to andin the direction of movement of said valve, means adapted to admit fluidbeneath said piston and cause the same to raise said valve, and a commonsource of fluid supply connected with said receptacle and saidfluid-admitting means.

47. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a closedreceptacle having a discharge opening and a valve seat about the same, avalve coacting with said seat, a piston operatively related to saidvalve and adapted to force the same from said seat, and means adapted tolead a fluid to said piston to actuate the same, said piston beingprovided with a pair of ports serially connected one with another andspaced one from another through which said fluid is permitted to escape.

48. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a closedreceptacle having a discharge opening and a valve seat about the same, avalve coacting with said seat, a piston operatively related to saidvalve and adapted to force the same from said seat, and means adapted tolead a fluid to said piston to actuate the same, said piston beingprovided with a multiplicity of ports through which said fluid ispermitted to escape, whereby one or more of said ports may becomeclogged without preventing the escape of said fluid.

4-9. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a closedreceptacle having a discharge opening and a valve seat about the same, avalve coacting with said seat, a piston operatively related to saidvalve and adapted to force the same from said seat, and means adapted tolead a fluid to said piston to actuate the same, said piston com prisinga plate having a multiplicity of perforations therethrough through whichsaid fluid is permitted to escape.

50. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a closedreceptacle having a discharge opening and a valve seat about the same, avalve coacting with said seat, a piston operatively related to saidvalve and adapted to force the same from said seat, and means adapted tolead a fluid to said piston to actuate the same, said piston beingprovided with a pair of ports serially connected one with anotherthrough which said fluid is permitted to escape.

51. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a closedreceptacle having a discharge opening and a valve seat about the same, avalve coacting with said seat, a piston operatively related to saidvalve and adapted to force the same from said seat,

and means adapted to lead a fluid to said piston to actuate the same,said piston being provided with a pair of ports serially connected onewith another through which said fluid is permitted to escape and saidports being of successively larger diameters in the direction of flow ofsaid fluid.

52. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a closedreceptacle having a discharge opening and a valve seat about the same, avalve coacting with said seat, a piston operatively related to saidvalve and adapted to force the same from said seat, and means adapted tolead a fluid to said piston to actuate the same, said piston beingprovided upon one side with a plurality of ports and upon the other sidewith a port connected with said first ports through which said fluid ispermitted to escape.

53. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a closedreceptacle having a discharge opening and a valve seat about the same, avalve coacting with said seat, a piston operatively related to saidvalve and adapted to force the same from said seat, and means adapted tolead a fluid to said piston to actuate the same, said piston beingprovided upon one side with a plurality of ports and upon the other sidewith a port of larger diameter than said first ports and connectedtherewith through which said fluid is permitted to escape.

54. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a closedreceptacle having a discharge opening and a valve seat about the same, avalve coacting with said seat, a piston operatively related to saidvalve and adapted to force the same from said seat, and means adapted tolead a fluid to said piston to actuate the same, said piston comprisinga removable portion having a port formed therein and having formed initself another port connected with said first port through which saidfluid is permitted to escape.

55. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a closedreceptacle having a discharge opening and a valve seat about the same, avalve coacting with said seat, a piston operatively related to saidvalve and adapted to force the same from said seat, and means adapted tolead a fluid to said piston to actuate the same, said piston beingprovided with a removable portion having a port formed therein andhaving formed in itself another port of a different diameter throughwhich said fluid is permitted to escape.

56. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a closedreceptacle having a discharge opening and a valve seat about the same, avalve coacting with said seat, a piston operatively related to saidvalve and adapted to force the same from said seat, and means adapted tolead a fluid to said piston to actuate the same, said piston comprisinga removable portion provided with a plurality of ports and having formedtherein a port communicating with said first mentioned ports throughwhich said fluid is permitted to escape.

57. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a closedreceptacle having a discharge opening and a valve seat about the same, avalve coacting with said seat, a piston operatively related to saidvalve and adapted to force the same from said seat, and means adapted tolead a fluid to said piston to actuate the same, said piston being Jsame moving upwardly to force said valve of an. inverted cup shapedconformation and having secured to its lower portion a mem ber providedwith a plurality of ports and having formed therein a port of largerdiameter than said first ports.

58. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a receptaclehaving a discharge opening and a valve seat about the same, a valvenormally held against said seat, a piston beneath said seat, means connected with said piston adapted upon the same moving upwardly to forcesaid valve from its seat, and a one-piece fitting mounted beneath saidreceptacle and comprising a cylinder within which said piston is mountedand a feed conduit leading to said receptacle.

59. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a receptaclehaving a dis charge opening and a valve seat about the same, a valvenormally held against said seat, a piston beneath said seat, meansconnected with said piston adapted upon the same moving upwardly toforce said valve from its seat, and a one-piece fitting mounted beneathsaid receptacle and comprising a cylinder within which said piston ismounted and a discharge conduit leading from said receptacle.

60. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a receptaclehaving a discharge opening and a valve seat about the same, a valvenormally held against said seat, a piston beneath said seat, meansconnected with said piston adapted upon the same moving upwardly toforce said valve from its seat, and a one-piece fitting mounted beneathsaid receptacle and comprising a cylinder within which said piston ismounted, a feed conduit leading to said receptacle, and a dischargeconduit leading therefrom.

61. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a receptaclehaving a discharge opening and a valve seat about the same, a valvenormally held against said seat, a piston beneath said seat, meansconnected with said piston adapted upon the same moving upwardly toforce said valve from its seat, a one-piece fitting mounted beneath saidreceptacle and comprising a cylinder within which said piston ismounted, a feed conduit leading to said receptacle, and a dischargeconduit leading therefrom, and a head detachably secured to said fittingopposite said cylinder, whereby said piston may be removed.

62. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a receptaclehaving a dis charge opening and a valve seat about the same, a valvenormally held against said seat, a piston beneath said seat, meansconnected with said piston adapted upon the from its seat, and aone-piece fitting mounted beneath said receptacle and comprising acylinder within which said piston is mounted and a valve chamber havingcommunication therewith.

63. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a receptaclehaving a discharge opening and a valve seat about the same, a valvenormally held against said seat, a piston beneath said seat, meansconnected with said piston adapted upon the same moving upwardly toforce said valve from its seat, and a one-piece fitting mounted beneathsaid receptacle and comprising a cylinder within which said piston ismounted, a valve chamber communicating therewith, a feed conduit leadingto said receptacle, and a discharge conduit leading therefrom.

64. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a closedreceptacle having a discharge opening and a valve seat about the same, afloat valve normally held against said seat by downward fluid pressurethereon, means comprising a chamber positioned beneath said valve andprovided with a discharge opening, means adapted upon being moved toclose the discharge opening from said chamber and force said valve fromits seat, and means adapted to retard the return of said last means toits original position whereby the air trapped within said chamber ispermitted to rise within said receptacle.

65. In mechanism of the class described,

in combination, a closed receptacle having a discharge opening and avalve seat about the same, a float valve normally held against said seatby downward fluid pressure there on, means comprising a chamberpositioned beneath said valve and provided with a discharge opening, anda fitting adapted upon being raised to first close the discharge openingof said chamber and then upon further movement to force said valve fromits seat, whereby upon said fitting being permitted to return thedischarge from said chamber is delayed and the air trapped thereinpermitted to rise in said receptacle.

66. In mechanism of the class described, in combination, a closedreceptacle having a discharge opening and a valve seat about the same, afloat valve normally held against said seat by downward fluid pressurethereon, means comprising a chamber positioned beneath said valve andprovided with a discharge opening, a fitting adapted upon being raisedto first close the discharge opening of said chamber and then uponfurther movement to force said valve from its seat, whereby upon saidfitting being permitted to return the discharge from said chamber isdelayed and the air trapped therein permitted to rise in saidreceptacle, and means adapted to retard the downward movement of saidfitting.

67. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water supply, means leading from said source of sup ply tosaid tank, and means adapted to whirl said water about a curved axis asit enters the tank.

68. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water supply, means adapted to lead water from said source ofsupply into said tank in a lateral direction, and means adapted to breakup the entering stream.

69. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water sup ply, means adapted to lead water from said source ofsupply to said tank and throw the same in a curved path as it enters thetank, and means interposed in said path adapted to break up the enteringstream.

70. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water supply, means adapted to lead water from said source ofsupply to said tank and throw the same in a curved path as it enters thetank,

and means interposed in said path adapted to break up the enteringstream, said last mentioned means having portions inclined with respectto the direction of flow of the water.

71. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water supply, means adapted to lead water from said source ofsupply into said tank, and means interposed in the path of the incomingwater adapted to break up the entering stream, said last means havingportions inclined with respect to the direction of flow of the water.

72. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water supply, means adapted to lead water from said source ofsupply to said tank, and resilient means interposed in the path of thewater and adapted to break up the entering stream.

73. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water supply, means adapted to lead water from said source ofsupply to said tank, and a spiral spring interposed in the path of thewater and adapted to break up the entering stream.

74. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water supply, means adapted to lead water from said source ofsupply to said tank and throw the same in a curved path as it enters thetank, and a spiral spring interposed within said path and adapted toreceive within itself the entering stream.

7 5. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water supply, means adapted to lead water from said source ofsupply to said tank, deflecting means adapted to throw said water in ahorizontal direction as it enters the tank. and means adapted to breakup all upward components of the entering stream.

76. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water supply, means adapted to lead water from said source ofsupply to said tank, and means adapted to throw substantially the entireentering stream in a single horizontal direction as it enters the tank.

77. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water supply, means adapted to lead water from said source ofsupply to said tank, and means adapted to throw substantially the entireentering stream in a single horizontal direction as it enters the tank,said last means comprising a deflecting plat-e extending over the pointof entry of the water and forming a closed pocket at one side thereof.

78. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water supply, means adapted to lead water from said source ofsupply to said tank, said tank being formed to provide a channel in thelower portion thereof into which the water is led, and a deflectingplate over a portion of said channel and formed to provide a closedpocket at one side of the entering stream and guide the same in theopposite direction.

7 9. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water supply, means leading from said source of supply to saidtank, means adapted to whirl said water about a curved axis as it entersthe tank, said tank being provided with a discharge port about which theentering stream is led and being closed to admit of air being compressedtherein, and a valve coacting with said port to close the same andmounted to move upwardly away therefrom.

80. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water supply, means adapted to lead water from said source ofsupply to said tank, and throw the same in a curved path as it entersthe tank, means interposed in said path adapted to break up the enteringstream, said tank being provided with a discharge port about which theenterin stream is led and being closed to admit of air being compressedtherein, and a valve coacting with said port to close the same andmounted to move upwardly away therefrom.

81. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water supply, means adapted to lead water from said source ofsupply to said tank and throw the same in a curved path as it enters thetank, means interposed in said path adapted to break up the enteringstream, said last mentioned means having portions inclined with respectto the direction of flow of the water, said tank being provided with adischarge port about which the entering stream is led and being closedto admit of air being compressed therein, and a valve coacting with saidport to close the same and mounted to move upwardly away therefrom.

82. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water supply, means adapted to lead water from said source ofsupply to said tank, a spiral spring interposed in the path of the waterand adapted to break up the entering stream, said tank being formed toprovide a discharge port and being closed to admit of air beingcompressed therein, means adapted to hold said spiral spring in aposition curved about the lower portion of the tank beneath said port,and a valve coacting with said port to close the same and adapted tomove upwardly away therefrom.

83. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water supply, means adapted to lead water from said source ofsupply to said tank, means adapted to break up the upward components ofthe stream as it enters the tank, said tank being provided with adischarge port adja cent the point of entry of said water and beingclosed to admit of air being compressed therein, and a valve coactingwith said port to close the same and adapted to move upwardly awaytherefrom.

84:. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water supply, means leading from said source of sup ply tosaid tank, and means adapted to whirl said water about a curved axis asit enters the tank, said tank being formed to provide a discharge portabove said whirling-means.

85. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water supply, means adapted to lead water from said source ofsupply to said tank and throw the same in a curved path as it enters thetank, and means interposed in said path adapted to break up the enteringstream, said tank being formed to provide a discharge port above saidlast mentioned means.

86. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water supply, means adapted to lead water from said source ofsupply to said tank and throw the same in a curved path as it enters thetank, and means interposed in said path adapted to break up the enteringstream, said last mentioned means having portions inclined with respectto the direction of fiow of the water and said tank being formed toprovide a discharge port above said last mentioned means.

87 In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, a sourceof Water supply, means leading from said source of supply to said tank,means adapted to Whirl said water about a curved aXis as it enters thetank, said tank being formed to provide a discharge port above saidwhirling means and being closed to admit of air being compressedtherein, and a valve coacting with said port to close the same andadapted to move upwardly away therefrom.

88. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water supply, means leading from said source of supply to saidtank, and means adapted to whirl said water as it enters the tank.

89. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a tank, asource of water supply, means adapted to lead water from said source ofsupply to said tank, said tank being formed to provide a channel in thelower portion thereof into which the water is led, and a deflectingplate over a portion of said channel and formed to provide a closedtapering pocket at one side of the entering stream and guide the same inthe opposite direction.

90. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a valve, avalve seat, a piston adapted to force said valve from its seat, acylinder within which said piston is mounted, and upwardly extendingmeans upon a head of said cylinder adapted to limit the movement of saidpiston.

91. In apparatus of the class described, in combination, a valve, avalve seat, a piston adapted to force said valve from its seat, acylinder within which said piston is mounted, and upwardly extendingmeans upon a head of said cylinder adapted to limit the movement of saidpiston, said head being detachably secured to said cylinder.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature, in the presence of twowitnesses.

JOHN A. STAPLES.

VVitnesses JOHN H. JACKSON, FRED NEAL.

